MUSIC: MOST VIEWED CPOP MUSIC VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE*

1. 151 million views

A Little Happiness (小幸运) - Hebe Tien (2015)

A Little Happiness was the first cpop song to break the 100 million view mark. 

It was the theme song to the Taiwanese movie Our Times (我的小女时代) which was a box office hit. 

The movie and song was quite popular in South Korea. It has been covered by numerous kpop idols including SNSD's Yoona and Jessica, VIXX's Ken, Apink, Lee Hi, IU, Song Joong Ki, Park Bogum (on piano). Due to the success of the film in South Korea, the male lead Darren Wang is also quite popular amongst Korean netizens. 

2. 120 million views
Those Years (那些年) - Hu Xia (2011)

Another theme song to another Taiwanese box office hit, You Are the Apple of My Eye (那些年我们一起追的女孩).
This song was one of the biggest hits for its time. I believe it was the first cpop song to break the 10 million view mark doing so within a couple of months. Back in 2011 this was a pretty big deal.
It also broke the record for the KKBOX singles daily chart remaining on top for 64 days.
This song has also been covered by kpop idols most recently VIXX and Seventeen.

3. 117 million views
You Exists in My Song (你的歌声里) - Wanting Qu (2012)

Due to the popularity of the song, it was selected to be the theme song for the Hong Kong movie Love in the Buff.

Wanting Qu is a Chinese born, Canadian based singer-songwriter.

4. 113 million views
Twilight - JJ Lin (2015)

Twilight was nominated for Best Song of the Year at the 27th Golden Melody Awards.

5. 106 million
Let's Not Be Friends in the Future (以后被做朋友) - Eric Chou (2014)

The ending OST for the Taiwanese drama The Way We Were which was produced by and starring Ruby Lin.

6. 93 million views
Love Confession (告白气球) - Jay Chou (2016)

From Jay Chou's latest album, Jay Chou's Bedtimes Stories.

7. 90 million million views
Rhythm of the Rain (听见下雨的声音) - Queen (2013)

Theme song to the Taiwanese movie Rhythm of the Rain which was directed by Vincent Fang, Jay Chou's long time lyricist.
Listen to Jay Chou's version here (36 million views)

8. 89 million views
What Brings Me to You (是什么让我遇见这样的你) - Ann Bai (2012)

The lead single in Ann Bai's debut album Catcher in the Rye.

9. 89 million views
Shouldn't Be (不该) - Jay Chou X aMei (2016)

Theme song for the Chinese drama Ice Fantasy.

10. 86 million views
Practice Love (修炼爱情) - JJ Lin (2013)

I wrote a post about this MV a couple of months ago. I don't think there's anything else for me to say.
______________________________________________________________________________

Those are the Top 10 most viewed c-pop songs on YouTube of all time as of July 2017. 

THE BREAKDOWN:

• 7/9 singers are based in Taiwan (Wanting is based in Canada, Hu Xia in mainland China)
• 6/10 songs are theme songs
• 3/10 songs are from debut albums
• JJ Lin and Jay Chou are the only singers to appear multiple times (twice)
• All songs are solo acts (no bands/idol groups)
• Jay Chou and aMei are the only duet

100 MILLION VIEW CLUB:

• cpop 'only' has 5 songs in the 100 million view club compared to kpop which has 20-something
• 4/5 songs are theme songs
• 4/5 singers were based in Taiwan at the time (Hu Xia is from mainland China and is now currently based there)
• 2/5 are from very established singers, 2/5 are from debut albums and there's Hu Xia who fits neither category

THOUGHTS:

When seeing that cpop 'only' has 5 songs in the 100 million view club many will probably attribute it to YouTube being banned in China. While I'm sure this is a contributing factor, I personally do not think it is the main reason. I believe the reason is the lack of fandom culture.

cpop simply does not have a fandom culture like kpop especially as these singers are mature (ie. older) artistes not idols (and I mean no disrespect to kpop idols when I say that). The lack of fandom culture means that nobody really cares about the views on a MV. You won't see comments saying "let's get this to one million in 24 hours" etc... 

I think the lack of fandom culture and care for MV views is really evident when you look at the breakdown of the songs are in the Top 5 and 10. 2/5, 3/10 songs are from debut albums. The only criteria to become one of the most viewed cpop songs is it has to be good/public friendly (once again no disrespect to kpop). 

This all being said though, I am happy/excited to see these songs hit the 100 million view mark and maybe even 200 million view mark. It'll be interesting to see what the Top 10 cpop songs will be by the end of 2017. I started writing this post back in the beginning of July. During the time this post sat in the drafts each song received an extra 2 or 3 million views. While no song was bumped out of the Top 10, the order was rearranged. Based off the increased view count over that short 2 week period, I tentatively guesstimate that all 10 songs will have over 100 million views by the end of 2017.

I would love to hear your thoughts! 

What do you think about the Top 10 cpop songs? Are you a fan of the music, the singer, the movie/drama? 

Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts on the 100 million views club?

Do you think cpop will be able to break 200 million views by the end of 2017?

NOTES:

* to find the Top 10 cpop MV I went onto the official YouTube accounts of record labels. If you believe I have missed a MV please let me know. 

Read More »

JAY CHOU AND HANNAH QUINLIVAN'S SECOND CHILD IS BORN

SINA WEIBO: 

In the early morning on June 21, Jay Chou's studio revealed a photo of Hannah Quinlivan kissing her newborn son and daughter Xiao Chou Chou [T/N: nickname]. Jay Chou: "I will be unable to attend the Golden Melody Award. It's a special feeling accompanying the mother and son at the birthing centre watching the Golden Melody Award. As the saying goes "before marrying, after having a son, your luck will be better!" Holding two in three years, makes the word good [好]*. Congratulations! 

COMMENTS: 6462
1. [+6574] Congratulations Jay and sister-in-law! Golden Melody Awards are not important, accompany your wife and two babies!

2. [+324] Jay: Give you the back of the head again 
[T/N: Jay Chou has only ever posted photos of the back of his children's heads]

3. [+3546] When Jay Chou debuted I was single, Jay Chou has had two children and I'm still single 

4. [+2778] A very blessed family 

5. [+1457] Congratulations. Congratulations.


QQ: JAY CHOU REVEALS A PHOTO OF HANNAH QUINLIVAN WITH DAUGHTER AND SON. CONFIRMING SECOND CHILD, A SON HAS BEEN BORN.

COMMENTS: 9376
1. [+6344] Congratulations President Chou, a generation's memory, the dream is continuing! 七里香、龙卷风、黑色毛衣 [T/N: song names]..... is a memory from my childhood. 牛仔很忙、超人不会飞..... when we were studying in middle school, working for our college dream, and now listening to 告白气球 protecting our own precious love..... will forever support you!

2. [+4377] Wife is virtuous, beautiful, complete with son and daughter, family is perfect, career is successful, the epitome of a winner in life

3. [+3143] Congratulations Congratulations! Complete with son and daughter! Hannah's the winner in life! President Chou is blessed!

4. [+2655] Congratulations President Chou and also congratulations to myself! My first son was born in '13, my second child a girl was also born in '15 and last month I also gave birth to my third child a son.... being a mum again I'm really happy, wish everyone well!

5. [+2377] Congratulations. Congratulations. My water didn't break on the 27 week, my son will also be born soon. Hope that all pregnant mothers give birth to full term healthy babies, also hope that I myself will be able to walk out of this painful period, have a good pregnancy and safely give birth to my baby, male or female I will love, I just hope they are safe and healthy.


NOTES:
* the word good 好 is comprised of the word girl 女 and boy 子

Read More »

NETIZENS: JAY CHOU DUBBED THE "KING OF ASIAN POP" BY WESTERN MEDIA

SINA WEIBO: BRITISH MEDIA PRAISES JAY CHOU AS "KING OF ASIAN POP"

England's newspaper The Telegraph posts an article praising Jay Chou, reporting his album sales have exceeded 30 million and music downloads exceeding Madonna, Rihanna and Eminem. The article also said that he is well known in the West and is deserving of the title "King of Asian Pop".

Read More »

NETIZENS: KOREA TO REMAKE JAY CHOU'S MOVIE 'SECRET'

SINA WEIBO: KOREA TO REMAKE 'SECRET'. SCRIPT IS COMPLETE.

The Korean remake is expected to begin shooting next year. It will remain fairly similar to the original, except the male lead has been written as a music university student. The production company has produced 'Inside Job' and 'Drug King' to name a few. Jay Chou and Gui Lun Mei's 'Secret' release in 2008 became a hot topic in Korea.


COMMENTS: 3643
1. [+6930] It's good to share cultural output, however, it definitely won't surpass the original.

2. [+4975] A suspense film packaged as a film about youth. Jay Chou directed and acted, and composed the soundtrack. The soundtrack is at a god level.

3. [+4685] You just focus on the Korean cultural output, Jay Chou has made so much contribution. The songs Korean artists cover the most are his,  Korean programs regularly will use his music, and now his film is being remade by Korea. Come here, Jay fans are full of pride.

4. [+2728] Hard to surpass

5. [+2081] The love in Chou's film has an element of Jay Chou. He who has been poisoned by art is interested in innocent school love. So beautiful you want to try. A true writer, director and actor. Also single-handedly composed the soundtrack. To have been able to see this awesome movie is my luck. Because my superman is so powerful that it makes me want to cry. "I am beyond fortunate. It is a miracle that I have been able to meet you"

6. [+1929] Jay Chou's is hard to surpass 

7. [+1750] Before the Japanese remade Jay Chou's Floral Sea, next is Korea's remake of Jay Chou's 'Secret'. In the past the Chinese music industry frequently covers Japanese songs, the film industry frequently remakes Korean films. .Jay Chou is truly unique, his influence has crossed borders. Truly is worthy to have been recognised by Times Magazine 10 years ago as Asia's Popularity King.

8. [+1041] When will it be released in the mainland. I want to watch it.

9. [+926] Some say the first film was the peak. They need to know he isn't a director or actor but is a top producer-songwriter. Composed, directed and acted such a product is already really good. There are many directors and actors who in their lifetime may never have such a representative work. 

10. [+833] Finally a movie that is worth exporting overseas. President Chou is truly the best, makes me proud 

Read More »

NETIZENS: JAY CHOU AND HANNAH QUINLIVAN SHOW OFF THEIR LOVE

SINA WEIBO: WHITE DAY, CHOU COUPLE SCATTER DOG FOOD AGAIN!

COMMENTS: 4088
1. [+3691] Hannah! Really is a woman who has saved the Milky Way! My President Chou! Crazy in love!

2. [+1765] Jay, a small show of public support 

3. [+1671] The photographer is great ~ made my Jay Chou look 1.9m 

4. [+1525] Blessed  This bowl of dog feed I eat willingly 

5. [+902] I wish Jay eternal happiness 

6. [+728] Damn! Family of four continue to be blessed.

7. [+684] My favourite idol.

8. [+681] Really envious of Jay and Hannah. They must continue to be blessed!

9. [+385] Keep being this blessed 

10. [+365] This dog feed I'll eat first 


QQ: JAY CHOU AND HANNAH QUINLIVAN'S SWEET TRIP IN EUROPE. RARE PHOTO SHOWING LOVE

COMMENTS: 959
1. [+1253] The songs Jay Chou sings are the best songs in all of China. Praise. Brings glory to the country. President Chou.

2. [+1437] Hannah must be so blessed, she married my idol!

3. [+777] Jay Chou said that Chinese songs are the best.

4. [+592] Jay Chou doesn't mind that his wife is not an outstanding woman. Jay Chou is a good man.

5. [+522] I feel like Hannah is a kindhearted woman 👃

6. [+413] The most blessed woman in the world.

7. [+306] Hannah's life is so good.

8. [+196] Hello everybody, have you guys seen my son? In the past he said Jay Chou isn't Chinese.

9. [+130] Marrying someone famous or a celebrity does not guarantee happiness. The people who are truly happy are still the average family.

10. [+85] On more that one occasion that he's said Chinese songs are the best, he's passionate about Chinese culture, is filial to his mum and grandma, places filial piety first. At least he tries hard to produce Chinese music, promotes Chinese culture. He donated a lot of money to Chinese earthquakes. 听妈妈的话^ and 青花瓷^ are not bad.


NOTES:
^ Jay Chou's songs

Read More »